FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
TWITTER: @HCPOProsecutor
WEB: hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org
DATE: Thursday, October 12, 2017
19-YEAR-OLD JERSEY CITY MAN ARRESTED FOR MURDER
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:
On Wednesday, October 11, 2017, Jose Mojica, age 19, of Jersey City, was arrested by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit and charged with the murder of Donald McLaughlin III, age 37, of Union City. He was arrested without incident.
Mojica has been charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, a first-degree crime; Possession of a Weapon (Handgun) for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4, a second-degree crime; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Handgun) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, a second-degree crime.
Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit for Mojica’s arrest. Suarez also credited the Jersey City Police Department and the Union City Police Department for assisting with the investigation.
On October 5, 2017, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Jersey City Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Central Avenue and Graham Street in Jersey City. Upon arrival, officers found McLaughlin unresponsive in the street in front of 490 Central Avenue.
The victim suffered from an apparent gunshot wound to his torso and also an apparent blunt force trauma injury to his head.
The responding officers immediately administered first aid to the victim. McLaughlin was subsequently transported to Jersey City Medical Center by Emergency Medical Services where he was pronounced dead at approximately 8:55 p.m.
A Medical Examiner has determined the cause of McLaughlin’s death to be a gunshot wound to his torso and the manner of death to be homicide.
A second male victim, age 26, of Jersey City, was treated at the scene for injuries to his head and body. He was also transported by EMS to JCMC where he received treatment and was released.
The Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit continues to actively investigate this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s official website at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).